• May 21-22Pops Concert
  • May 26Memorial Day
  • May 27-30Senior Finals
  • June 2-5Grades 9-11 Finals
  • June 6Class of 2025 Graduation
The Student News Site of Lynbrook High School

the Epic
National Honors Society members test knowledge on Japanase language, cultural traditions, history and society in 33rd National Japan Bowl held in Washington D.C. Photos used with permission from Japan-America Society of Washington D.C. and Japanese Honors Society.
Japan Bowl teams achieve best performance in Lynbrook history
Notable events include Cardiomed Club's annual dissection hosted in collaboration with Surgery Interest Club, the Cupertino Whole Foods shutting down due to a rat infestation, Harvard sueing the Trump Administration and the new pope, Pope Leo XIV. Top left: photo used with permission from Ilan Garcia. Top right: photo used with permission from Wikimedia Commons. Bottom left: Photo used with permission from Wikimedia Commons. Bottom right: Photo used with permission from Wikimedia Commons.
Campus, community and world events
Lynbrook Legends are selected based on impact and achievements accomplished within their respective fields or in supporting the community. Photo by Irene Hwang.
New Lynbrook Legends program celebrates distinguished alumni
FUHSD plans to implement a district-wide phone ban policy that will restrict usage of smartphones during instructional periods, including class time and tutorials. Cell phones will be allowed during brunch and lunch, or during emergency circumstances with permission from a staff member. Photo by Brian Lee.
FUHSD bans phones during class time for the 2025-26 school year
Go Club tournament tests strategy and wit
Go Club tournament tests strategy and wit
2024-25 Senior Columns
2024-25 Senior Columns
It’s September 11, 2018.
My hijab & I
One thousand. The biblical number of prosperity, the number of years in a millennium, and the number that signifies a remarkable milestone.
A fresh sheet of square paper
Just past midnight, my house is deafeningly quiet.
On soup and stories
Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 73,” one out of the 154 the Bard published in 1609, deals with themes of love and aging, yet one word of this sonnet in particular catches my eye. Graphic illustrations by by Gary Pan, Qianzi Loo, Alyssa Wang and Vidushi Upadhyay.
As after sunset fadeth in the west
2024-25 Senior Columns
2024-25 Senior Columns
It’s September 11, 2018.
My hijab & I
One thousand. The biblical number of prosperity, the number of years in a millennium, and the number that signifies a remarkable milestone.
A fresh sheet of square paper
Just past midnight, my house is deafeningly quiet.
On soup and stories
Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 73,” one out of the 154 the Bard published in 1609, deals with themes of love and aging, yet one word of this sonnet in particular catches my eye. Graphic illustrations by by Gary Pan, Qianzi Loo, Alyssa Wang and Vidushi Upadhyay.
As after sunset fadeth in the west
With legal immigration pathways narrowing and deportations without due process rising nationwide, it has become more important than ever for students and school communities to be educated on their rights and protections. Photo by Qianzi Loo. Graphic illustration by Maddy Chang
Editorial: Building safety and awareness around student immigrant rights
Lack of awareness around the prevalence of digital misinformation affects students in the digital age. To combat these concerns, student engagement in media literacy and responsible journalism should be prioritized within schools.
Editorial: Media literacy in and out of FUHSD classrooms
Students actively engage in discussions and group activities in their Ethnic Studies class.
Editorial: Federal education cuts threaten ethnic studies programs
In a district wide effort to address student mental health issues, Lynbrook plans to launch a future mental wellness center, preceded by a monthly prototype launching in May.
Future wellness center is a step toward aiding student mental health
Student petitions are an important way of bringing attention to school issues, but the line between serious and counterproductive petitions must be drawn. Graphic illustration by Charlotte Bolay and Crystal Zhu
Editorial: The power of petitions in student advocacy
Sruthi Chetput keeps tradition in motion
Sruthi Chetput keeps tradition in motion
Vishnu Sankaran joins inclusivity and sports
Vishnu Sankaran joins inclusivity and sports
Hrithikesh Kotha challenges himself through music
Hrithikesh Kotha challenges himself through music
"The Galaxy's Memories," written by Galen Han, depicts vivid storytelling of the history of the galaxy.
Galen Han rewrites the dimensions of imaginations
Kimmy Le, Effie Wang and Ellie York (left to right) design vibrant nail sets
Filing in the details of student nail art businesses
Sruthi Chetput keeps tradition in motion
Sruthi Chetput keeps tradition in motion
Vishnu Sankaran joins inclusivity and sports
Vishnu Sankaran joins inclusivity and sports
Hrithikesh Kotha challenges himself through music
Hrithikesh Kotha challenges himself through music
Photos by Lilly Wu. (Lilly Wu)Graphic illustration by Claire Guo. (Claire Guo)
Claire Hsu bakes it up
Jayden Yang makes waves through water polo
Whether through panic-buying or an uptick in lipstick sales, the American shopping cart can reveal much about the state of our economy during economic hardship. Photos used with permission under Creative Commons license.
Tracking consumer and marketing changes over the recessions
Catholicism, one of the largest branches of Christianity, remains one of the most influential religions in the U.S. today. It has impacted on schools, healthcare, policies and national traditions.
Catholicism intersects with American culture
Aside from the hefty expense of a seat, space tourism also comes with another astronomical price tag: environmental sustainability.
The environmental price of reaching for the stars
San José and the larger San Francisco Bay Area are home to a variety of native species such as the California poppy, owl’s clover and lupine.
The Bay Area’s complex web of native and invasive wildlife
The three branches of government within the Constitution — the judicial, executive and legislative — were crafted to avoid a crisis in the system of checks and balances that prevents one branch from overpowering another.
The possibility of a constitutional crisis in our perfect union
Through personal growth, perseverance and prioritizing their overall health, students have built stronger teams and become stronger individuals. Graphic illlustration by Anna Cen.
Student athletes persevere through injuries, bad weather and stress
Coaches and students play basketball with Zone 6. Photos used with permission from Zone 6. Graphic illustration by Anna Cen.
Zone 6 coaches confidence one drill at a time
Anika Khanna at the 2025 Gator Cup. Michael and Michele Myers practicing. Photos used with permission from USA Archery and Michael and Michele Myers. Graphic illustration by Anna Cen.
Anika Khanna, Michael Myers and Michele Myers find their next target
Track athletes from different high schools leap over hurdles while bounding toward the finish line. Photo by Akash Anand. Graphic illustration by Anna Cen
Setting track athletes up for success
Athletes, from high school and college, are able to use their popularity and skill for profit through different sponsorships. Graphic Illustration by Amanda Jin.
Name, image and likeness are reshaping the culture of athletics
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/gradphotos25.
Class of 2025 graduation ceremony
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/sprom25.
Senior Prom 2025: Rewrite the Stars
Through lyrical creativity and gorgeous vocals Uchis’ “Sincerely,” and Walker’s “Fancy That” explores heartbreak, love and peace.
‘Sincerely,’ and ‘Fancy That’ surpass expectations.
In the past, Hollywood has produced a number of films that contain stereotypical depictions of marginalized communities. Recently, the rise of movies produced by Asian American and Pacific Islander creators has combated such stereotypes in the movie industry. May celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month — an apt time to explore various films that convey Asian heritage.
Exploring culture through film for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Thunderbolts* strings together mildly wicked characters as anti-heroes. Photos used with permission from Creative Commons License.
Evil heroes and not-so-bad villains
Tug, not tackle: Students and staff on girls flag football in Viking athletics
Tug, not tackle: Students and staff on girls flag football in Viking athletics
Approaching 60 years of history: Lynbrook back in the day
Approaching 60 years of history: Lynbrook back in the day
Nostalgic memories, since 2010
Nostalgic memories, since 2010
Vertigo and La Pluma Open Mic
Vertigo and La Pluma Open Mic
Students gathered in the parking lot on March 29 for ASB's first school-sanctioned celebration of Holi.
Adding a little color with Holi
Brain Rot
Brain Rot
Nostalgia
Nostalgia
Gaming the system
Gaming the system
Lost in translation.
Lost in translation.
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/gradphotos25.
Class of 2025 graduation ceremony
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/sprom25.
Senior Prom 2025: Rewrite the Stars
Farewell Rally 2025
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/spromfashionshow2025
Senior Prom Fashion Show 2025
View the full photo gallery at the link in our bio or at bit.ly/2025silsilayfashionshow.
Silsilay Fashion Show 2025
Behind the live performances of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ (ft. Studio 74 and Lynbrook music department)
Behind the live performances of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ (ft. Studio 74 and Lynbrook music department)
Unwrapping holiday memories
Plucking heartstrings with Lynbrook students’ favorite love songs
Silsilay connects communities across the bay
Teachers take on brain rot terms
Epic staffers Amanda Jin and Irene Hwang give their opinions on the 2025 Oscars nominations. Graphic illustrations by Olivia Tu.
From Anora to Emilia Perez: Our opinions on the 2025 Oscars
Graphic Illustration by Amanda Jin, Alexandra Wu and David Zhu.
Behind the runway
Formula 1: Pit lane Talk
Formula 1: Pit lane Talk
Graphic Illustration by Daeun Chung
College mythbusting with Mr. Roy
Don’t judge a book by its cover: the shortcomings of banning books
Don’t judge a book by its cover: the shortcomings of banning books
The Student News Site of Lynbrook High School

the Epic
The Student News Site of Lynbrook High School

the Epic
Alex Cotterel

Alex Cotterel, In-Depth Editor

(they/them) Alex is a junior and this years in-depth editor. Their hobbies include biking, painting, and reading novels. In their free time they like to listen to music and podcasts, and binge watch whatever their latest tv show obsession is.

All content by Alex Cotterel
Kimmy Le, Effie Wang and Ellie York (left to right) design vibrant nail sets

Filing in the details of student nail art businesses

Alex Cotterel and Anna Cen
May 19, 2025
The three branches of government within the Constitution — the judicial, executive and legislative — were crafted to avoid a crisis in the system of checks and balances that prevents one branch from overpowering another.

The possibility of a constitutional crisis in our perfect union

Alex Cotterel and Brian Lee
April 28, 2025
“It’s not that deep.” What counts as “not that deep?” While not everything needs to be taken seriously, Generation Z’s widespread reluctance to engage beyond the surface level is prevalent and exhibited in popular phrases and memes that belittle critical thought, presenting serious topics as unworthy of attention.

When it really is that deep – Anti-intellectualism is on the rise in Gen-Z

Alex Cotterel and Alexandra Wu
March 24, 2025
The wrestling team navigates through new obstacles after the departure of a beloved coach.

Wrestling team perseveres back at the mat

Crystal Zhu and Alex Cotterel
March 24, 2025

60 years of Hollywood love in four rom-coms

Alex Cotterel and Angelina Feng
March 3, 2025
Long-standing issues within the healthcare industry like claim denial for patients have been resurfaced in light of United Healthcare Brian Thompson's murder, with more people venting their frustrations over these deep-rooted problems.

CEO’s death triggers important discussion about the healthcare industry

Alex Cotterel, In-Depth Editor
February 3, 2025
Fortunato Depero's 1914 painting "Futurist Motorcycle" parallels Tesla's Cybertruck.

Futurism and fascism’s enduring legacy in the modern technological world

Alex Cotterel and Alexandra Wu
December 9, 2024
Rent control laws regulate the amount of rent that landlords can demand from their tenants, usually by limiting how much rent can be increased. Used with permission from Pexels.

[Photo] Amid state housing crisis, rent control remains contentious

Qianzi Loo and Olivia Yuan
December 9, 2024
Photos by Alex Cotterel and Crystal Zhu.

Turning the page to staff and teachers’ favorite books

Alex Cotterel and Crystal Zhu
November 4, 2024
California Assemblymember Evan Low and former San Jose mayor Sam Liccardo, the two District 16 seat candidates.

Low and Liccardo face off in District 16 election

Alex Cotterel, In-Depth Editor
October 7, 2024
Top left: Engineering Club's annual hackathon will take place for the third year in a row. Top right: Plans for safe sleeping sites for the homeless organized by the City of San José were met with local backlash. Bottom left: The Europa Clipper, NASA's new planetary probe, is set to journey to Europa, one of Jupiter's many moons. Bottom right: This year, Claudia Sheinbaum became the first female and Jewish president of Mexico in its 114-year history of presidential elections.

Campus, community and world events

Alex Cotterel, In-Depth Editor
October 7, 2024
Mental health AI chatbot created for students, by students

Mental health AI chatbot created for students, by students

Alex Cotterel, Eileen Zhu, Taek Kim, Anushka Deshmukh and Kieran Hau
August 30, 2024
Dr. Mohammed Subeh speaks with students about his experience volunteering in Palestine

Dr. Mohammed Subeh speaks with students about his experience volunteering in Palestine

Alex Cotterel and Taek Kim
May 25, 2024
Protests over Gaza and Palestine have appeared in colleges across the United States, such as the University of Southern California and Columbia University.

Colleges have become a battleground for free speech

Alex Cotterel and Apurva Krishnamurthy
May 20, 2024
Although genocide does not have a singular definition, the crime can be broken down into eight different stages: classification, symbolization, dehumanization, organization, polarization, preparation, extermination and denial.

Genocide is not a thing of the past: Recognizing it in modern day

Alex Cotterel and Inaaya Yousuf
April 29, 2024
Volunteers pick up recycled paper weekly from different classrooms and collect them in a larger bin by the basketball courts.

FUHSD implements new recycling program across schools

Alex Cotterel, In-Depth Editor
April 1, 2024
Untitled design

[Photo] Unveiling the truth behind eating disorders

Charlotte Bolay and Lilly Wu
April 1, 2024
A. CGI was frst introduced in the 1958 live-action flm, “Vertigo,” in the opening sequence animation. John Whitney, a pioneer of the age, experimented to bring about a feeling of vertigo. B. In 1986 “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home” introduced novel concepts like the digital morphing of face. CGI was quickly becoming an indispensable and increasingly popular tool for directors and flmmakers. C. In 1999, “The Matrix” made a breakthrough in CGI. With multiple cameras, flm directors Katsuhiro Otomo and Yuen Woo-ping created the famous airborne fght scenes and bullet-dodging slow-motion shots. D. “Dune 2” was lauded for its fght scenes and the fact that it was almost impossible to tell what was and wasn’t CGI, with the general public praising the seamless integration of the special efects.

[Photo] The digital frontier of Computer Generated Images

Claire Guo and Yvonne Wu
April 1, 2024
The storied history of a magazine that played a pioneering role in modern sports reporting, seems to be coming to an end. Half a century of ground breaking photography, intelligent writing and iconic tradition may soon become a relic of the past.

Sports Illustrated’s clash with time and technology

Alex Cotterel, In-Depth Editor
March 11, 2024
The rate of homelessness in San Jose has greatly increased each year with the city reporting the highest numbers it has seen within the past year.

[Photo] San Jose’s renewed efforts to combat homelessness

Emily Pedroza, Copy Editor
March 11, 2024
Recent public controversy surrounding the legacy of De Anza College’s namesake has sparked debate over whether a new name is necessary.

Renaming De Anza College respects history

Alex Cotterel, In-Depth Editor
February 12, 2024
Humans are prone to experiencing the Illusion Of Explanatory Depth, a phenomenon in which people strongly believe that they understand complex matters more than they actually do, which affects preferences, judgments and voting.

Oversimplification and the Illusion of Explanatory Depth

Alex Cotterel and Eileen Zhu
December 11, 2023
Graphic illustration by Chelsea Lee

Tending Freesias

Alex Cotterel, In-Depth Editor
November 21, 2023
Literature teachers discuss their favorite poems, from poisonous gas and burnt paper in hands to testing trees. Photos by Alex Cotterel and Deeksha Raj. Graphic illustration by Claire Guo.

Beyond the Syllabus: Literature teachers’ favorite poems

Deeksha Raj and Alex Cotterel
November 6, 2023
Companies are constantly innovating new environmentally-friendly products, which distracts people from the actual problem of climate change.

Is the Westgate West Costco worth the chaos?

Alex Cotterel, In-Depth Editor
October 10, 2023